Define HERDA.

• A. Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia: also known as Hyperelastosis Cutis (HC), weakens collagen fibers that connect the skin of a horse to the rest of the horse. Affected horses can have fragile hyperextensible skin which can result in tears, scars and lesions. Affected horses are also known to exhibit impaired healing to such injuries
• B. Hyperelastosis Cutis
• C. Hereditary Equine Dermal Atrophy
• D. Hyperelastic Dermal Disease

Answer: (A)

The main idea is recognizing a hereditary skin disorder in horses and its full designation. HERDA stands for Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia. It is also commonly known as Hyperelastosis Cutis. The defining feature is a genetic weakness in the collagen fibers that tether the skin to the rest of the body. Because of this, affected horses have fragile, hyperextensible skin that tears easily, forms wounds, and heals poorly or slowly, leaving scars. The hereditary nature means it can be passed from parents to offspring, and there’s no cure—management focuses on avoiding injury and responsible breeding to reduce risk. The alternative name alone doesn’t convey the hereditary and regional aspects, and the other options aren’t the correct terms for this condition.